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84. Like a woman owned
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 85. Beautiful and Edible
EricaIt took close to an hour when they finished with my makeup and hair. One of them held out the tube of red lipstick for final touch up.As I stood there taking in my reflection in the mirror, I tried to shrug off the tension coiling in my muscles. But it seemed that Antonio was hell bent on keeping me bare for the public eyes since he had brought me here. Before him, I had never worn anything like this. I preferred my full sleeved hoodies and loose pajamas, and if occasion called then something that would be socially acceptable but not these clothes that shouldn't be titled such. These looked something for someone who was proud of her body or confident in showing it off, I wasn’t either of those.There was a soft knock on the bedroom door, making me jerk. But my shoulders went down when I saw it was just Ephraim. The feeling that went through me was half relief and half disappointment like I was hoping to see someone else. I shrugged that thought off and turned to face him.Ephra
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 86. Accept it and stop fighting
EricaThe journey in the chopper had been silent with headphones on our heads and it continued to be so when we got in the limo to reach the venue of the party we were attending.As I sat on the opposite side of him, my mind flashed back to the time when he had picked me up from my dorm. That day felt so long ago. Almost like decades. That day I hadn't been nervous or clad in a dress that showed more skin than it hid. That day, he hadn't been such a brute or maybe he had been and I had refused to see because of my attraction. I should've learned since then but that attraction still plagued me and now it was accompanied with unwanted, foreign feelings that make me question my own sanity.Unable to take the silence anymore and feeling a little nervous after what he had shared with me about the kind of people that would be attending the party we were going to, I asked, “What will it be like?”He slipped his phone in his pocket and regarded me with his golden gaze. I curled my toes in my
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 87. I definitely enjoyed that
AntonioI have never brought a woman with me to any event I had attended until now. Never even entertained the idea. And even as I had ordered Ephraim to arrange for the makeup artist and then the dress that I had myself selected which she hadn't liked much, there was this niggling doubt at the back of my mind that if I really wanted to change that. Now looking at her in that dress, I wondered if I should've left her behind, caged in my castle instead of letting all the men inside the mansion look at her. But wasn't that the very reason to bring her here, to let the men know what I have. When Ephraim had asked me about the reason for bringing her here, I had told him that it was just a strategic move to let the people know what happens when they cross me and to let Erica know how not even a president was above me. But now as she stood beside me in that skimpy dress and I thought about the men waiting on the other side of those double doors, it made me pause a bit. If she had given me
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 88. His own darkness
EricaI could feel eyes on me from all around the room. Even when they weren’t looking, it felt like their eyes were stripping me off the non existent dress I was wearing. But then slowly that awareness disappeared with his heavy, warm hand at my back. His big palm was splayed across my naked back and all my senses were focused on that simple touch. I also noticed how men looked at me with blatant curious gazes mixed with lust but soon that would turn into disregard when those eyes would see the man standing beside me. As if they couldn’t insult him by looking at me for too long and yet there was interest in the quiet murmurs that followed us.I realised Antonio wasn’t lying when he had said that no one would dare to touch me with him by my side and this in itself felt like a power someone handed to me. I wasn’t a woman who got easily impressed but in this instance I felt a certain amount of appeal that this man held enough power that I could’ve been standing here in a set of lingerie
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 89. Fine. I was jealous.
EricaI took a sip of my drink, marvelling at the soothing burn of the scotch. I didn't say anything as I regarded the woman standing in front of me. With a huff, that wasn’t audible, but delicate like her, she said, “I don't know who you are and why you’re here with him. Maybe, you're a new thing he is interested in at the moment but..” Stepping closer, she said, “Don't entertain any idea of being any longer at his side. That spot is reserved for me.”“And yet you're not the one standing by his side tonight.” I remarked.Her nostrils flared. She smiled and said, “From where I’m standing, it isn't you either.” I followed her gaze and sure enough there was another woman now talking to him, touching his arm like a lost lover. “Do you know he has particular tastes?” Nicole’s voice was soft as she said that. “He likes his woman to submit to him in every way possible.”I snorted. “Yeah. And he can obviously have those.” I purposely looked down at her even though she was taller than me. She
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 90. The enemy of my enemy
Erica“Jeremiah Sokolov.” He introduced himself in his deep voice with a hint of accent that wasn’t there before.But it was not needed as his last name already registered in my mind and I stared at him for a moment, before stating. “You are a Russian.”He smiled, like he was proud of being recognised as one. “Please to meet you.”“Do these people know you are here? Because if you are Russian and you are in this party you can’t be an ordinary Russian. You must be someone important.”“I am starting to see why he brought you with him tonight.” He murmured, his grey eyes taking me in as if seeing me for the first time. “But to answer your questions. Yes, the hosts know I’m here. They invited me. And,” he leaned closer and whispered, “I am the head of the Sokolov family. The bratva.” If it was even possible his voice dropped even further to a caress as he said, “That makes me his enemy and you know what they say about the enemy of my enemy.”“A friend.” I finished on a whisper as a slithe
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 91. The astounding relief
Erica“Excuse me, this room is occupied.” I said, wanting him to leave, hoping that he had mistakenly entered but I knew it wasn’t a mistake. I should've listened to what my instincts were telling me. I shouldn't have come here. And when I made the mistake of following Jeremiah, I should've returned back immediately.The man entered further into the room. I couldn't see his face but I knew he was smiling. I shifted to the side, putting the sofa between him and myself. “The party is down the hall.”He shook his head as he kept coming toward me. With a nervous flutter, I rounded the sofa. He chuckled and I could hear the chill behind it. He said, “I am not here to attend the party, sweetheart. I am here for you.”I didn't stop to think as I ran.But he was fast. His hand wrapped around my hair as he pulled me back and in the next instant he snatched the mask off my face. “Ahh... Look at all that flawless face and body, not a mark in sight. You haven't been suffering like he said you wil
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 92. Do you care for her?
Antonio(Fifteen minutes ago)Nicole was taking advantage of the party going around us as she clung to me. Her hand rested on my arm where Erica’s was not long ago. The last time I saw her she was walking toward the bar with Yuri. Her head held high and her shoulders back as if she was the guest of honor and people were here to look at her. Because that’s what was happening. I had noticed how men had turned to look at her. I didn’t want to admit it but now I hated having made her wear that dress. She was too tempting in it with her curves and legs that seemed to go on forever in those high heels.Now as I stood among a group of men with Nicole by my side all I wanted to do was go to the bar myself and slip my fingers around Erica’s neck. To remind her that she was mine and yes to get her where she belonged, in the cage of my arms. But the man standing in front of me was the president himself and with him was his son whose birthday was being celebrated tonight. So as much as I wanted t
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CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 145. The World Stopped Spinning
Ephraim“Your job is to do whatever I tell you to do. Protect her.”I gritted my teeth at his absurd command, all these years I had been his shadow, spent all my time protecting him whenever he stepped out of that castle where he lived like a recluse. And now here he was telling me to protect her but not him. I’d have protected her but not at the cost of him, not if it meant letting him be in danger.I pressed on the accelerator as the car that was following us came to the side and slammed at the back of ours, for a moment I lost control of the steering wheel and the car tilted to the one side. I glanced in the rear-view mirror to catch Antonio cupping Erica’s head to prevent her head from slamming into the wind
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 144. Protect Her
AntonioMy office door opened with a bang for the second time that day and Ephraim stood there with Thor barking behind him. Before I could really give him a lashing to remind him of his place and for letting that dog into my office, I noticed the set of his jaw and the paleness of his face and without a second thought, my mind went straight to Erica. “What is it?”Instead of answering me, he asked, “Have you talked to Erica?”Even though I had wanted to call her, I hadn’t. And it was his fault. Because Ephraim’s words had unsettled me and I didn’t want to prove him right so no matter how much I was tempted to call her, I had refrained but now as I saw the expression on Ephraim’s face I regretted not doing so. And more than that as I slipped out my phone and dialled her number I regretted not putting a tracker on her phone after she broke the bracelet when the call ended without ringing on the other side.I had wanted to give her some privacy to talk to her family and it was the reaso
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 143. I don't feel so good
EricaI excused myself from the table to go to the bathroom, I wanted to ask Riley if she wanted to join me but she was busy talking to the guy sitting opposite her. But just as I took a step away from the table, Leo also stood up. I asked, “Where are you going?”“I’ll walk with you.”“Oh, you don’t have to.” I said, feeling embarrassed that he could easily read how I was hesitant and felt a little out of place here which was why I needed company to not look like a lost child.He ignored me and grabbed my hand as he made his way to the left side of the sitting area of the cafe where there was a door that led to a mildly lit corridor and pointed out the washroom for me. He said, “I know that your bodyguards aren't here today, so it’s understandable if you don't feel okay to roam around the unfamiliar place all alone.”I never thought about it in such a way but I guess I was almost carefree at the base level knowing nothing would hurt me, for instance no masked man would materialize out
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 142. We're not in love
Antonio“Sit down and explain yourself before I lose it.” I said to Ephraim as I entered the study after making sure that Elijah knew not to lose sight of her in any way and also to make sure she doesn't see him, if the former happened I’ll make sure he loses his fûcking life.Erica had asked me to stop sending men with her before too, saying that she felt like the odd one out with all the other students gawking at her because of all the men standing guard. But I had ignored her then because I knew most of them probably already knew who she was with, I was one of the men that people recognised on sight and associating with me puts her at risk so it wasn’t just to prevent her from running but also to make sure no one hurts her. And now I wanted to test her out. To know what she’ll do with her new found freedom that I was giving her. Even though it will be an illusion, for her it will be real enough.As I sat behind my desk, I folded my hands and looked at Ephraim. In the past, there ha
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 141. Fûck you, Antonio
Antonio“Antonio...”“Mmm?”“There is this new place that has opened up in downtown that everyone is going to after the classes. Can I go?”“Of course. I told you, you can go anywhere you want to go. I’ll tell Ephraim to take you.” I replied, feeling a smile turn up my lips at the way she asked for my permission.She sat up, slipping out of my hold. And even though it annoyed me, I opened my eyes to look at her. Her flawless back was to me and I couldn't help but trail down my fingers on the curve of her spine and smiled when she shuddered. Without looking at me, she said, “I, actually, don't want him to come with me.”I narrowed my eyes on her back. Grabbing the back of her nape, I pulled her back until she was lying and then I sat up on my elbow to look down at her as I asked, “Are you planning to run away?”She rolled her eyes. She actually rolled her eyes and gave me a smile that made my cock hard, again. She said, “If I wanted to leave, I would've left that night.”It was three n
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 140. I like you, Antonio
AntonioI stood near the windows and looked down at her. Ephraim had given her his jacket that she had wrapped around her to protect herself from the cold. She was looking back at the castle from time to time, and sometimes her gaze would go up to the terrace but she didn't turn to look in the direction of the bedroom which was on her left. And even if she had looked I doubted she would be able to make me out in the darkness of the bedroom.I have no fûcking idea why I said what I said. I didn't know what got into me to let her leave. I just fûcking forced her to go. But when I saw her bandaged hand... I wasn’t lying. Seeing her hurt messes with me in a way I couldn’t explain. It was like going back in the past and seeing all the blood and feeling the pain. Being helpless, that's what it felt like.I wasn't prepared to say any of the things I told her but unlike her I was mature enough to recognise the truth when it smacked me in the face every time I looked at her, kissed her, touche
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 139. Take your freedom, Erica
Erica“What does that mean?” He questioned, his golden brown eyes frowning down at me. “What are you talking about?”I stared at him for a few seconds, if I didn’t know better I would really believe that he has no idea what I was talking about. The way he looked so confused, like he had done nothing wrong, like he didn’t know what I was talking about, like he hadn’t left me in the bed only to be with her. I swallowed against the lump in my throat as I sat up and slipped out of the bed. Sitting there with him so close wouldn’t give me enough strength to keep my anger. But even while I stood and he sat there on the bed, he was almost my height and just as big.“I saw you with her.” It took more effort than it should have to say her name. “Nicole. The way she was touching you. Kissing you. She kissed you...” I couldn't hide the pain as I said those words. And once again the image of her materialized in my mind, the same image that had been haunting me, that had forced me to slam my fist
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 138. Confused and Hurt
EphraimErica pushed past me and walked away to the exit I was pointing out instead of going through the one where Antonio was standing close to. Nicole’s eyes met mine, smug and taunting. She said, “You should go after her before you lose his toy. I heard it’s very expensive.”I took a step closer to her and she sucked in a nervous breath. I had never interacted with her, apart from the times when Antonio needed another set of hands in an act that he put up in the club with her as the submissive for the night. “Stay away from her. If Antonio knew what you just did—”“Save your threats, he already made his.” Her nostrils flared as she looked over my shoulder. “I don’t understand what you see in her. She is not even Italian, also he bought her from an auction, how could you take her side over mine when she’s nothing but his sex slave.” “She is anything but that. Did you see her in chains or kneeling at his feet like you did so often?”Anger flashed in her eyes as she glared at me. H
CAGED- A Dark Billionaire Captive Romance 137. We've the same bracelet
EricaI woke up sprawled in the middle of the bed with blankets wrapped around me and sun shining through the parted curtains. Gathering my hair to the one side, I sat up and looked around the bedroom. The basket from which I had eaten number of sweet things was still on the bedside table and it reminded me of how Antonio had fed me the baked soft cookies with his own hands while I was curled up in his lap. I took my gaze off the basket to our clothes that were all over the place last night but now we’re folded and placed on the bench near the bathroom door, but there was no sign of Antonio.Deciding to get up and start the day, I slipped out of the bed and made my way to the bathroom. For the first time, I didn't sleep nakéd after sex and still Antonio had taken me in his arms, surrounding me with his big body as we slept. When I came out of the bathroom, I opened the closet door to find a selection of his shirts but there were a few dresses and jeans and tops too. I picked out a bla
